With the rise of the sports card industry over the past couple years, the hype around rookie cards and top prospects has grown exponentially. As we head into the 2023 season, there are several young stars who are primed for breakout campaigns that could skyrocket the value of their rookie cards. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest baseball cards to watch in the new year.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor RC PSA 10): The second overall pick in the 2019 draft had a solid debut in 2022, slashing .254/.308/.434 with 20 home runs in his first full MLB season. Still just 22 years old, most scouts believe Witt Jr. has yet to reach his full potential and he should continue improving in his sophomore year. His rookie cards exploded in value last season and anything graded a gem mint PSA 10 could be a smart long-term hold, as he moves closer to superstar status with the Royals. Look for his cards to remain very popular and in high demand in 2023.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor RC PSA 10): Similar to Witt Jr., Torkelson struggled at times in his first MLB cup of coffee last year but showed signs of why he was the top overall pick in 2020. With another year of development and experience under his belt, big things are expected of the 23-year-old corner infielder this season. If he breaks out as projected, his immaculately graded rookie refractors will soar to new heights. He has legitimate 40-home run, 100-RBI upside that could make him the new face of the Tigers.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil SHIMMERTM RC PSA 10): J-Rod exploded onto the MLB scene in the second half of 2022, slashing .284/.345/.514 with 28 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases in just 80 games. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting at age 21 and seems destined for stardom. Rodriguez’ shiny rookie cards were already red hot, but if he consolidates his breakout campaign with an All-Star caliber 2023, his Topps Chrome shimmers and other high-ends could rival anything in the modern era for record prices. He has legitimate 5-tool superstar potential.
CJ Abrams, San Diego Padres (2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire RC PSA 10): Acquired from the Padres in the blockbuster Juan Soto/Josh Bell trade, Abrams will get everyday at-bats in 2023 to realize his potential. Just 21, he showed tantalizing wheels and defense in a brief MLB debut last year. With a full season to adjust, he could break out as a 20-20 (HR/SB) type at multiple positions. Sapphire and other premium refractors of the former 6th overall pick remain somewhat under the radar but that will change if he puts it all together next season.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2022 Topps Chrome Sapphire Prizm RC PSA 10): Living up to the immense hype so far, Rutschman looks like a future all-star catcher and face of the franchise. He projects to be a perennial All-Star and if he finishes near the top of AL Rookie of the Year voting, his already sky-high rookie cards will likely shatter records. At just 25 years old, he’s just scratching the surface of his potential and is building into a complete offensive force. With Soto also now in Baltimore, Rutschman should have great protection that could help him put up monster season stats.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Prizm RC PSA 10): With his unbelievable tools, Cruz has drawn comparisons to young Miguel Cabrera and Mike Piazza. At an incredible 6’7″, the 23-year-old switch-hitter has 40+ home run potential and his speed and athleticism for his size are unmatched. He showed exciting flashes in his rookie stint last season and will get regular playing time in 2023 to really begin unlocking his potential. If he breaks out big, his premium rookie cards could rival the Great One Wayne Gretzky’s as some of the most valuable in modern collectibles.
Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor RC PSA 10): Selected 8th overall in 2018, the 23-year-old outfielder is on the cusp of a full MLB opportunity in 2023. He made his debut last season and showed nice power/speed potential while continuing to refine his approach. If Davis becomes an everyday fixture in Wrigley as expected, the hype around him has scarcely begun. With legitimate 30/20 skills forecast, his Topps Chrome blue refractor could takeoff if he performs to his lofty prospect status.
Max Meyer, Miami Marlins (2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil RC PSA 10): He did not pitch in the majors following a rookie year injury but Meyer retains massive long-term upside as the third overall pick from 2020. With a solid fastball and wipeout slider, the 23-year-old righty could pitch himself into top prospect rankings again in 2023 if he stays healthy. Meyer has future ace stuff and his premium rookie cards could appreciate greatly if he dominates in his eventual MLB debut next season.
Jose Miranda, Minnesota Twins (2022 Topps Chrome Pink Refractor RC PSA 10): After a strong showing in his initial 2022 stint that led to an AL Rookie of the Year nomination, Miranda should be poised for a breakout sophomore campaign. The 24-year-old corner infielder is a consistent offensive threat who could establish himself as a franchise cornerstone. With 30-homer pop and an advanced approach, Miranda has all-star potential and his pristine rookie cards should also rise substantially if he takes his game to yet another level this year.
Keep a close eye on the young stars above and their premium rookie refractors in 2023. With breakout seasons projected across the board from these emerging talents, their flagship rookie cards graded gem mint could deliver enormous returns for savvy baseball card investors lucky enough to get in at the ground floor. This dynamic new core of superstars is poised to thrill on the MLB fields for years to come.
